For the band’s co-founder, the debut album has some flaws
Alex Van Halen pointed out some problems in the debut album of the band founded alongside his brother Eddie Van Halen.
The rockers’ eponymous album was released in 1978 and, although it was very successful, it has flaws, according to Alex. For the drummer, the final sound of the project did not turn out as expected.
In an interview with Ariel Levyhe argued (via Igor Miranda): “The final sound of this record was not what we were looking for. It didn’t sound live enough in terms of sounding real.”
THE Van Halen used the Led Zeppelin as an example. “They understood the technology of how to record in the studio. They understood the balance between having a well-composed song and leaving space to improvise,” he explained.
Another factor that influenced the dissatisfaction of Alex in relation to the album it was the specific sound of the drums. At the time of its launch, products associated with the instrument were mainly aimed at disco music, which was on the rise.
“There were a lot of records with good drum sounds, but not for rock. The first time we went into the studio, I had just received my brand new Ludwig Monster drum kit. Then the first thing that Donna [Landee, engenheiro de som] what he said was: ‘take the skins off the front of the bass drum’. I looked at him and thought, ‘You must be crazy,'” he recalled.
Alex further added: People are in their own way of doing things. The drum sound depends on resonance. It wasn’t until the third album that we started to get the desired sound.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
